Presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has declared that Nigeria urgently needs a competent and unifying leader capable of addressing the country’s worsening economic and security crises ahead of the 2027 general election.
Hayatu-Deen made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the ADC presidential primary.
Addressing journalists after the submission, the former banker and economist said Nigeria could no longer afford divisive leadership, insisting that competence and national unity must shape the country’s next presidency.
“The 230 million people deserve a leader who is a unifier, not a divider. One who is very competent, who understands this country, its opportunities and problems, and who also understands what the world is all about and Nigeria’s place in it,” he said.
Focus on economy and security
The former Managing Director of FSB International Bank Plc lamented the country’s rising inflation, insecurity and declining living standards, promising an issue-based campaign focused on practical solutions.
“We face enormous problems in this country, pertaining to high inflation, the cost of living, hunger, poverty and disease,” Hayatu-Deen stated.
He added that millions of Nigerians are struggling with worsening economic hardship while insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across several states.
“If I’m lucky to get the nomination and go on to contest this election, I’ll be waging a campaign focused on alleviating poverty, eliminating insecurity, reducing the cost of living and putting our children back to school,” he said.
Call for merit-based leadership
Hayatu-Deen urged Nigerians to move beyond ethnic and regional politics in choosing the country’s next president.
“Competence is exceptional at this point in time because anybody going for the office of president is going as a quintessential Nigerian,” he stressed.
“It is not because I come from Borno or from Imo or Anambra. Once you put your hands on the Quran or the Bible, you’re taking an oath to work for the Nigerian people regardless of background.”
The declaration comes amid increasing political activities and early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections as concerns mount over inflation, unemployment, insecurity and governance challenges in Nigeria.
Hayatu-Deen, who previously contested under the now-defunct Peoples Redemption Party, has consistently projected himself as a technocratic alternative focused on economic reforms, institution-building and national cohesion.
He pledged to run a campaign centred on policies and solutions rather than divisive rhetoric.
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